New survey: 68% of Fil-Am voters prefer Harris over Trump
A NEW survey measuring AAPI voting habits ahead of the 2024 presidential election found that a majority of Filipino American voters prefer Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris over Republican candidate former President Donald Trump. According to the Asian American Voter Survey released on Sept. 24, 68% of Filipino American voters said they would vote for Harris and 33% said
CALIFORNIANS with medical debt will no longer have to worry about unpaid medical bills showing up on their credit reports under legislation signed Tuesday, September 24 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, adding the nation’s most populous state to a growing effort to protect consumers squeezed by unaffordable medical bills.
The bill, by Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and backed by Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta, will block health care providers, as well as any contracted collection agency, from sharing a patient’s medical debt with credit reporting agencies. At least eight states have banned medical bills from consumer credit reports in the past two years. In June, the Biden administration proposed similar federal protections, but it’s unclear when the rules will be enacted — or, if former President Donald
they would vote for the former president.
Notably, in an earlier iteration of this survey conducted in July when President Joe Biden was still the presumed Democratic nominee, only 40% of Filipino American voters preferred Biden over Trump.
As reported in the Asian Journal, that July survey showed that less than half of AAPI voters (46%) said they would select Biden on their November ballotsz The survey was released by
within their target range.
AMERICAN and Filipino security officials have agreed to keep a U.S. mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely to boost deterrence despite China's expressions of alarm, two Philippine officials said on Wednesday, September 25.
The U.S. Army transported the Typhon missile system, a land-based weapon that can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, to the northern Philippines as part of combat exercises in April with Philippine troops and to test its deployability aboard an Air Force aircraft
Tomahawk missiles can travel over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), which places China
Officials are considering keeping the missile system in the northern Philippines until April next year, when U.S and Philippine forces are scheduled to hold their annual Balikatan — Filipino for "shoulderto-shoulder" — large-scale combat exercises, he said.
The two officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. There was no immediate comment from U.S officials.
At the sidelines of the defense exposition at the World Trade Center Wednesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shrugged off objections by other countries for the immediate dismantling of the missile in the country.
Teodoro said that if other countries feel
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County has seen a sudden spike in local mpox infections, health officials said Tuesday, September 24 as they urged people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
According to the county Department of Public Health, 52 mpox cases were reported in the county over the past four weeks, more than double the 24 that were reported in the previous four-week period. Health officials said about 70 percent of the latest cases were in unvaccinated people.
Health officials encouraged vaccinations for people at higher risk of infection:
• Men or transgender people who have sex with men or transgender people;
• People of any gender or sexual orientation who have sex or intimate physical contact
LOS ANGELES — The Philippine government has underscored the role of overseas Filipinos, including Filipino Americans, in asserting and protecting the maritime and archipelagic rights of the country in the controversial and disputed West Philippine Sea.
During a forum in celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assistant secretary-Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office Marshall Louis Alferez said this is high time for Filipinos all over the world to become vigilant and help their beloved country in preserving its maritime heritage.
The forum was hosted the Philippine Consulate General — Los Angeles with this
year’s theme: “Pamana ng Karagatan: Para sa Kinabukasan, Ating Ingatan” (Heritage of the ocean for our future. Let’s take care of it).
“In this time and age, the Philippines also believes in countering disinformation with facts and strategic communication. There are countries that have been pursuing disinformation campaigns using statesponsored media, impossibly troll farms to pedal falsehoods on the issue. This is why your role as Filipino and Filipino American community leaders is vital,” Alferez said.
The DFA official said as the Philippine authorities remain steadfast in keeping the Philippine waters protected from exploitation and abuse, they need all the help they can get especially from all Filipinos wherever they may be.
“Even as we engage with our counterparts at the highest levels, we are
her as a "way out." "Sa tingin ko, sa mga nangyayari, wala silang kaso for impeachment, kaya sila hanap ng hanap ng gagamitin nila. Ang track nila [ACT Teachers Rep.] France
tracks for me. One, led by France Castro and Trillanes, is impeachment, and the other is resignation)," Duterte said. The resignation option was
From The FronT Page
Pres. Marcos bares 12 admin senatorial...
members, and former senators, among others, who came from different political parties, such as the Partido Federal ng Filipinas, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Lakas-CMD, and Nacionalista Party.
Below are the names of the senatorial bets that Marcos endorsed:
• Senator (reelectionist) Imee
Marcos
• Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos
Jr.
• Makati Mayor Abby Binay
• Senator (reelectionist) Pia
Cayetano
• Senator (reelectionist) Lito
Lapid
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CNS-3854704# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
• ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo
• Senator (reelectionist)
Francis Tolentino
• Former Senator Manny Pacquiao
• Former Senate President Tito Sotto
• Senator (reelectionist) Bong
Revilla
• Former Senator Panfilo
“Ping” Lacson
• Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar.
Almost all admin bets were in the program, except for Imee, the president’s sister.
In a speech before announcing his endorsement, Marcos mentioned the qualities he was looking for in picking his senatorial bets: loyalty and love for country.
“Sa aking pag-endorso, ang tanging hiling ko ay mapanatili ang kanilang katapatan at pagmamahal sa bansa,” Marcos said.
(In my endorsement, my only wish is to maintain their loyalty and love for the country.)
“Ito ang pinakamahalagang katangian ng kandidato na aking tinitignan at pinag-iisipan,” he added.
(This is the most important characteristic of the candidate that I look at and think about.)
Marcos then expressed optimism that the candidates he endorsed will be one with the government in advancing the development of the country.
Senatorial bets
Sotto, chairperson of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said they joined the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas “for the service of the public.”
“[A political party] should be for the public, for the service of the public. If your intention is not for the people, we have no business being a political party.
That is the stand of the NPC lagi (always) and we found it in the stand of the [Partido Federal ng Pilipinas] and we look forward to it,” he said in a chance interview.
“Umaasa tayo na mas magiging maganda ang samahan ng legislative at executive departments,” he added.
(We hope that this alliance will improve the relationship between the legislative and executive departments.)
He then expressed confidence in the winnability of the alliance’s senatorial slate,
noting how it is a “very good mix” of politicians from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as different sectors. Villar, on the other hand, said she aims to continue the advocacies of her parents, Senator Cynthia Villar and former Senate President Manny Villar.
“Pagtulong sa mahihirap at lahat ng programa para sa kabuhayan, diyan tayo magfofocus,” she said.
(Helping the poor and livelihood programs will be our focus.)
According to Villar, one advantage of the alliance is its unity and capability to offer a “fresh take” on the problems that the country faces.
Binay, meanwhile, said she joined the alliance to support the Marcos administration’s projects and empower local governments. This is despite her rift with the Cayetanos due to the 30-year land dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig.
“I agreed to join the alliance because of the president. Sino naman ako para magsabi kung sino ang gusto ko makasama at kung sino yung ‘di ko gusto ko makasama? (Who am I to say who I want to be with?) So I am here to support the projects and the projects of the president,” she said.
Binay also stressed the need to create and update laws involving local governments, citing her experience as a local chief executive.
“Marami po problema sa ground na kailangan baguhin, marami pong batas na luma na. Kailangan i-update kasi pasado na ang local government code, marami po doon kailangan baguhin,” she said.
(There are many problems on the ground that need to be changed, many laws are outdated. It needs to be updated because the local government code has passed, there is a lot that needs to be changed.)
Meanwhile, Abalos expressed his trust to the public.
“At the end of the day, ‘yung pipili naman na mga botante kikilitasin naman nila kung ano ‘yung background, kung ano ‘yung nagawa ng kandidato para sa bansa,” he said.
(At the end of the day, the
New survey: 68%
PAGE A1
research groups AAPI Data and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), which conducts bi-annual surveys centering on AAPI voters.
Across all of the AAPI groups that were surveyed, 66% said they plan to vote for Harris and 26% for Trump, the latter of whom lost percentage points from July when 31% said they would select Trump.
“These results reinforce what we’ve been hearing and seeing from the Asian American community since July: they are re-energized and poised to once again play a decisive role in the election,” said Christine Chen, cofounder and executive director of APIAVote. “It’s also clear that the major parties and campaigns are no longer overlooking or taking AAPI voters for granted, but instead making concerted efforts to reach out and engage them on the issues that matter most to them.”
Aside from party and candidate preferences, the survey also found that Asian American voters are slightly more energized to participate in the election compared to July’s findings.
The September results show that 77% of AAPI voters are
of Fil-Am voters...
“absolutely certain” that they will vote, but in July, that number was 68%
In terms of civic outreach, 62% of survey participants said that they have been contacted by the Democratic Party while 46% said that have been contacted by the Republican Party.
The AAPI electorate is the fastest-growing voting bloc, highlighting the significance Asian voters can play in elections.
“Asian American and Pacific Islander voters are poised to play a pivotal role in this election,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data.
“Instead of speculating about how AAPI voters and volunteers are reacting to the Harris, Walz, and Vance candidacies, we have nationally representative, inlanguage survey data to inform news coverage and public understanding.”
“Is it possible you could ever vote for a candidate who does not share your views?”
The Asian American Voter Survey also surveyed voters on how they view the candidates in the context of certain policy and social issues. Regarding immigration policy, Filipinos led the pack with 70% saying that they could not vote
for a candidate who doesn’t share their views.
On racism and discrimination, 81% of Filipino voters said that it was important to them that a candidate agrees with their views—the highest among other groups.
About half of all Filipino voters (45%) said they’d prefer to vote for a candidate who shares their views on the Israel-Palestine war. More than half said that the economy (60%) and climate change (59%) were key issues to keep in mind when choosing a candidate.
Additionally, 61% said abortion was a key issue and 67% said crime and violence.
The survey also recorded participants’ worries over the electoral process overall. Filipinos were by far the most concerned group when it comes to voter fraud (44%), not having their vote count (44%), misinformation about voting location (41%) and being barred from voting (36%).
Moreover, Filipinos were also the most concerned AAPI group in terms of misinformation about the candidates (64%), violent aftermath of the election (57%), legal challenges to the election (51%), and the possibility of violence at the polls (47%). n
ANTI-SMOKING. Police officers walk
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e PANGKALAHATANG HALALANG
MUNISIPAL MARTES, IKA-5 NG NOBYEMBRE, 2024
Unang Araw ng Pagboto-ngPersonal ay magsisimula sa ika-26 ng Oktubre, 2024 sa Mga Napiling Lokasyon
Lahat ng Sentro ng Botohan ay bukas ng ika-2 ng Nobyembreika-5 ng Nobyembre, 2024
MAGPAREHISTRO PARA BUMOTO
Ang huling araw para magparehistro para bumoto ay ika-21 ng Oktubre, 2024
Ang parehong araw ng pagpaparehistro ng botante ay posible lamang sa mga Sentro ng Botohan
Mga Importanteng Huling Araw ng Pagboto-sa-Pamamagitan ng Koreo:
Ang mga Balota sa Pamamagitan-ng-Koreo ay ipapadala simula
ika-7 ng Oktubre, 2024
Mga Balota sa Pamamagitan-ng-Koreo ay dapat na nakatatak-koreo ng
Araw ng Halalan ika-5 ng Nobyembre, 2024
AJSOCAL to honor Fil-Am community leaders during annual gala
ASIAN Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) announced its 41st Anniversary Gala: United in Action on October 10 at Vibiana in DTLA. This annual event, emceed by journalist David Ono (he/him), brings together Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders in civil rights, social justice, public office, business, entertainment and the arts.
The 2024 Public Image Award will be bestowed to veteran entertainment executive Fritz Friedman (he/him) for his decades-long commitment to celebrating AAPI representation. Award-winning actor Lou Diamond Phillips (he/him) will present Friedman with his award.
The gala this year commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the murder of Filipino American hate-crime victim Joseph Ileto, along with an in-memoriam tribute to his mother, Lillian Ileto, for her antiviolence advocacy. That tribute includes performances by actors/recording artists Jennifer Paz (she/her) and Anthony Fedorov (he/him). Mental health professional and LGBTQIA+ activist Eddy Gana (they/them), LCSW, will be receiving the 2024 Joseph Ileto Courage Award, which annually recognizes unsung heroes for exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Executive Director of Search to Involve
Pilipino Americans (SIPA)
Kimmy Maniquis (she/her/siya) and wife of the late Eric Swing, Ellen Rodgriguez Swing (she), will present Gana with their award.
Connie Chung Joe (she/her/
hers), CEO, AJSOCAL says, “In our 41st year, AJSOCAL is remembering Lillian Ileto’s tireless dedication to the fight against anti-Asian hate in the wake of her son Joseph’s tragic murder. It’s hard to believe that mass shooting in the San Fernando Valley by a White Supremacist was 25 years ago. While we as a nation have made strides toward awareness and understanding, today, antiAsian hate is still poisonous and under-reported. We want our people and allies to continue to work toward equity and acceptance.”
Friedman (he/him) is President of The Fritz Friedman Company, a production and strategic marketing communications company based in Los Angeles and San Diego. He is also a Commissioner for Arts and Culture for the City of San Diego and a Board Member of California Humanities. At Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity and Corporate Communications for two divisions: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. Friedman has a long history of philanthropic and civil rights activities, including lobbying efforts to help gain benefits for more than 18,000 Filipino Veterans of World War II. For this, the Philippine Government gave him a Presidential Citation, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo awarded at Malacanang Palace in Manila. He was also a member of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Chair of
the Vassar College Asian Pacific Islander Alumni Association, and the co-founder and President Emeritus of The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), the largest entertainment organization for Asian Americans in the world.
Gana (they/them) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Clinical Program Manager at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) where they founded a support group for non-binary community members. Gana provides 1:1 therapy, family counseling, support groups, mental health first aid training, and coalition-building. They serve as a community and policy advocate for the Queer Trans API (QTAPI) community. Their organizing experience also includes advocating on behalf of Filipino veterans’ rights with KmB / Pro-People Youth, Los Angeles. Gana graduated from UC Irvine with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminology, UCLA with a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling, and USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work with a Master of Social Work and an emphasis on Child and Adolescent Mental Health. They are a secondgeneration Filipinx-American from Union City and are based in Los Angeles, California.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. n
Health officials report rise in mpox cases in...
with others in association with a large public event or engage in commercial and/or transactional sex;
• People with HIV, especially those with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease; and
• Sexual partners of people in any of the above groups.
The mpox vaccine is a two-dose series, available at pharmacies for people with insurance. Vaccines may also be available through health care providers.
County health clinics offer
free mpox vaccines without appointments. Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified by scientists in 1958 when there were outbreaks of a “poxlike” disease in monkeys. Until recently, most human cases were seen in people in central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals. In 2022, the virus was confirmed to spread via sex for the first time and triggered outbreaks in more than 70 countries across the world that had not previously
reported mpox. Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals.
The World Health Organization declared last month that the increasing spread of mpox in Africa is a global health emergency, warning the virus might ultimately spill across international borders. (Inquirer. net)
Fil-Ams urged to help in West PH Sea...
cognizant that we need to reach out and engage with our overseas Filipinos, a potent force in Philippine diplomacy.
The Philippine diaspora is a strategic asset for Philippine foreign policy. We want you involved and assertive, while mindful and discerning. There is an unfolding ecological disaster in our backyard. Our maritime authorities and other stakeholders are trying their best to expose and even address the disastrous impact of these illegal actions on the West Philippine Sea. We need everybody’s support, including yours,” Alferez told the forum’s audience.
But Alferez assured all Filipinos that the Philippine government is asserting all efforts on their end to keep Philippine waters safe.
“You can count on your Department of Foreign Affairs to continue being at the forefront of defending the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in all our maritime zones. We are here to affirm the imperatives of diplomacy and promote the open and inclusive rules based international order that is governed by international law,” the DFA official added.
Alferez also assured that the Philippines will continue to advocate for rules based on international order to ensure that the rights and entitlements of all states are protected, promoted and respected on the basis of international law.
But he noted that “Unfortunately, there are countries that seek to carve out certain areas of the oceans as their own without regard for the rights protected by international law."
“We have seen this demonstrated in our own waters. But most aggressively in the West Philippine Sea. There is a clear and present threat within our midst. Some countries have not only illegally occupied many of the reefs in the area. But it has also destroyed much of the area’s marine biodiversity due to continuous dredging, landfills and giant clam harvesting. This has severely impacted the livelihood of local coastal communities, especially Filipino fisherfolk,” he said.
“Let me underscore that the Philippines does not want conflict in the South China Sea or in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines remains committed
to the peaceful resolution of disputes as enshrined in our Constitution and as encapsulated in the 1982 Manila Declaration on the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Alferez added.
In a video message presented during the forum, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also affirmed the DFA’s commitment.
“Our country is fortunate and blessed with vast maritime and archipelagic resources that can be utilized for the benefit of our people. As stewards of this incredible gift, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and develop these resources to their fullest potential. This year’s celebration of ManaMo is a clarion call to raise greater consciousness on maritime and archipelagic concerns as well as to engage our people into protecting our maritime interests and resources from various threats. Everything starts from each of us and with all of us working together, we will soon harvest the fruits of our hard work and realize the sustainable and greener future for everyone to enjoy,” Marcos said.
Maria Alnee Gamble, acting head of post for the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, shared Alferez’s conviction that Filipinos should come together for a common good.
“For us, what we want our Filipino American community to do is to inform themselves about what archipelagic state means with reference to the country. So, what does it mean for them especially for their children and we invite them to teach their children about the maritime history of the Philippines, the maritime resources that the Philippines has, the biodiversity system that we have, not just in the West Philippines Sea but all of the seas that surround our archipelago,” Gamble told the Asian Journal in an interview during the forum. Gamble added, “We want our Filipino Americans to continue to be connected to our culture. We also want them to include the maritime culture of the Philippines. We have been known to be, in the past, great seafarers and until now, a lot of the seafarers all over the world, the majority are Filipinos. So, that is what we want the FilipinoAmerican community to have a takeaway from this.” In the same forum, Dr. Jay Batongbacal, University of the Philippines College of
Law executive associate dean, and director of the Institute for Maritime Law of the Sea, discussed the importance of the West Philippine Sea on the Philippines as a whole. Batongbacal emphasized the vast potential of the disputed water territory for the food security and overall economy of the Philippines. The maritime law expert noted that the West Philippine Sea contributes approximately 27% of the Philippines’ commercial fisheries production. This is only 10% compared to what China has already caught from the area. He also noted the vast marine biodiversity system and potential revenues from huge oil and gas reserves, global maritime traffic
Features OpiniOn
Why impunity persists
IT would have given the Marcos administration some measure of relief, if not amusement, to note that this year’s anniversary of the declaration of martial law has shifted focus to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s tyrannical rule, instead of the despotic regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. “Under Duterte, ‘martial law’ ceased to be a term exclusively associated with [Marcos Sr.],” the human rights group Karapatan said in a statement during last Saturday’s (Sept. 21) observance of the 52nd year of the imposition of martial rule in 1972.
The group cited Duterte’s policies which spawned a wave of human rights violations, including his creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) that went about Red-tagging government critics and made them “vulnerable to human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrest and detention on trumped-up charges, enforced disappearance, or extrajudicial killing.”
Karapatan also cited Duterte’s Memorandum Order No. 32 that led to police and military crackdowns in Samar, Bicol, and Negros, and resulted in what the group said were some of the “worst human rights violations” in recent history.
Categorical policy
And how can anyone forget the extrajudicial killings of from 6,000 to 30,000 mostly poor individuals under the notorious Duterte war on drugs, which are now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court?
But President Marcos can take little comfort in Duterte being the new symbol of rights violations. While largely seen as more benign compared to Duterte, or even his late father for that matter, Mr. Marcos has yet to make a categorical policy denouncing human rights violations particularly those committed by the uniformed services under his responsibility as commander in chief.
Recent cases and statistics show that enforced
BaBe RoMualdez
THERE is that old saying “curiosity can kill a cat” – and in our country, too much politics could ultimately kill all of us. As the May 2025 midterm election draws near with the filing of certificates of candidacy just around the corner, we can expect shifts in the political landscape with new party coalitions or alliances, realignments and even defections to happen.
While Senate and congressional hearings continue to take centerstage with Filipinos riveted to the TV or the screens of their smart gadgets waiting for the latest episode of the Alice POGuo story, let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are faced with so many serious challenges that can potentially impact the future of our country and people.
In the 2024 World Risk Report published two weeks ago by the Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Ruhr University Bochum-Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict,
disappearances, allegedly by state forces, have continued unabated under Mr. Marcos’ administration. Karapatan noted the rising cases of extrajudicial killings, almost 60 last 2023 from 41 the previous year, and 11 enforced disappearances thus far in 2023. The latest incidents involve activists James Jazmines and Felix Salaveria Jr., who were reportedly forced by armed men into their vehicles on Aug. 23 and Aug. 28, respectively, in Tabaco City, Albay.
‘Professional operation’
Jazmines, the younger brother of former National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultant Alan Jazmines, served as information officer of the League of Filipino Students and the Kilusang Mayo Uno. Salaveria is a founding member of indigenous rights groups Tunay na Alyansa ng Bayan Alay sa mga Katutubo and Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino.
The circumstances of their abduction have led their camps to believe that state agents were behind it, a chilling claim if validated. In a press conference by Karapatan on Monday, September 23, lawyer Tony La Viña said that CCTV footage around the area where the activists were taken showed the involvement of many vehicles, as well as lookouts, an indication that this was a “professional operation” involving lots of resources. “Military intelligence, police—[only] state-mandated agencies could do something as sophisticated as this,” La Viña said.
Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said there were “commonalities” in the disappearance of Jazmines, Salaveria, and many others.
These recent cases are indeed troubling, as they indicate the continued impunity of state agents used to past regimes where human rights violations are condoned, if not encouraged.
Writ of amparo
It is imperative for the Marcos administration to show that it is different from previous administrations by explicitly forbidding the military,
police, and other state actors from participating in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, that should have been a thing of the past when Filipinos mounted a peaceful revolution to restore democracy and reinstate respect for human rights.
It can start by heeding the call of the Commission on Human Rights to strictly enforce Republic Act No. 10353, the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, which penalizes unlawful and arbitrary arrests or detention and abductions. A review of the NTF-Elcac’s mandate should be a logical next step.
The courts should also do their part by allowing individuals to effectively seek help in finding their loved ones. As Kristina Conti of the National Union
of People’s Lawyers noted on Monday, September 23, no person has been found through the writ of amparo, which is a remedy for people threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or a private entity. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the defense and interior departments that supervise these services should take the lead in surfacing Salaveria and Jazmines, as well as other missing activists, to show that the rule of law still prevails in the country. They must also strongly denounce these acts of impunity and prove themselves true to their sworn duty as protectors—not abductors—of our people.
(Inquirer.net)
Politics could ultimately kill the cat
the Philippines topped the list of countries that are most at-risk to extreme natural events and negative climate change, followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, Mozambique, Russia and Bangladesh with Pakistan at number 10. This is the third time in a row that the Philippines has topped the report’s “World Risk Index” that breaks down the disaster risks of 193 United Nations member-states based on their “exposure to natural hazards, the vulnerability of the population and the coping and adaptive capacities of societies.”
According to the report, climate change is “increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme natural events, leaving less and less time for regeneration. As soon as one disaster is overcome, the next threat is already looming.”
With the Philippines getting hit by an average of 20 typhoons every year that also result in massive flooding in many parts of the country, the impact has been devastating, with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of families, damage to infrastructure and agriculture worth billions of
pesos that could ultimately affect the economy.
A recent example was Super Typhoon Enteng (international name Yagi) that cut a swathe of destruction in its wake, causing massive flooding and landslides, cancellation of classes and disruption of power supply and telecommunication services. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, damage to infrastructure across six regions in the country is estimated at P700 million, with agricultural losses estimated at over P650 million.
Seeing the devastation caused by Typhoon Enteng and the bare forests in many areas, the President said government must have stricter implementation of laws against illegal logging because this has become a matter of “life and death.”
Another cause for concern is a recent study made by the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute titled “Ground subsidence in major Philippine metropolitan cities from 2014 to 2020” that highlights the threat of “gradual sinking or sudden collapse” faced by Metro Manila and other urban areas due to “ex-
cessive groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization and natural sediment compaction, exacerbated by climate change through rising sea levels.”
A major result of the study reveals the significant ground subsidence in Iloilo with rates reaching as high as nine millimeters per year – no doubt exacerbated by groundwater extraction. In a business column over a decade ago, I remember writing about the excessive extraction of groundwater that is causing cities to sink slowly, with overpopulated areas like Metro Manila at high risk due to the overwhelming demand for water for drinking, bathing and other needs. The situation was also aggravated by the construction of deep wells by private subdivision owners and businesses whose operations require large amounts of water.
As early as then, several areas aside from Metro Manila were identified as water critical; among them are Baguio, Davao, Metro Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Angeles in Pampanga and Iloilo.
Aside from climate change and natural disasters, one other problem that impacts future gen-
erations is quality education. This was highlighted in a U-Report survey conducted by the UNICEF that showed climate change, natural disasters and education being the top concerns among the 3,000 survey respondents.
The very low ranking of the Philippines (bottom four among 64 countries) in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that tested the creative thinking abilities of students underscores the need to improve the country’s educational system, with Filipino students ranked as among the world’s weakest in math, science and reading which are considered basic or fundamental competencies.
A lot of hope is riding on the shoulders of Education Secretary Sonny Angara who, I’m glad, is on the right track, starting with an increase in the salary of teachers, with plans to incorporate coding in the curriculum and utilize technology that would allow teachers to concentrate on the job of teaching instead of being burdened by administrative work.
“We are working to incorporate coding into our curriculum and are utilizing educational technol-
The 2025 plebiscite
ogy, such as analytics, to assess learners in real-time. This will allow teachers to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks, ultimately improving the quality of education,” Secretary Angara said during the most recent Philippines-Singapore Business and Investment Summit.
Externally, the Philippines is facing the most serious challenge to our sovereignty and existence as a free country – not because of climate change or rising sea levels – but by force coming from a foreign country claiming large portions of our territory. Climate change, defense and security, low quality of education – these are just a few of the issues that our political leaders must seriously tackle as these could impact the future of our country – because undoubtedly, too much politics could ultimately “kill the cat.” (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
IN three days, the period for parties to hold their conventions will run out. The filing of candidacies, including substitutions, will come next, from Oct. 1-8. Then the hiatus before the campaign season formally begins in February. People poring over the various surveys have probably reached three inescapable conclusions.
The first is that celebrity and money (including past incumbency in the Senate) confer a tremendous advantage.
The second is that this leaves little room for newcomers when proven vote-getters decide to return to the Senate.
The third is that the national threshold to win is high indeed: a minimum of 30 percent of the vote, or 20-21 million votes, to have a serious chance. Which are precisely the odds the campaign contributors and coalition builders have been weighing, with the surveys as their weighing scales. What will be at stake in the 2025 midterm elections is the Marcos Restoration administration: will it win what every midterm is for a sitting president—a referendum on the incumbent’s leadership and performance? At stake is 2028 and whether the administration goes into the second half of its term, empowered or a lame duck.
House — who, however, has little skin in the game, so to speak. No administration has ever lost the House of Representatives, no president has not hand-picked the speaker, there is no reason to think things will be different come 2025. Even the party the speaker heads, Lakas-CMD, only produced one contribution to the administration’s Senate slate: Ramon Revilla Jr. (and one conspicuous absence when it was announced: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo).
and more to wedge itself firmly into the national conversation, a luxury it can afford because it has turned maximizing its party list representation into a science. For those composing the center-left, the Liberals and Akbayan have decided to pursue a different strategy.
For everyone else, the goal is to convince the electorate that the administration should be denied a vote of confidence by shrinking, if not outright defeating, the administration’s Senate slate. As the top-ranking official in the discarded half of the former ruling coalition, the vice president has to decide whether she will keep the president firmly in her sights, or whether she will give in to her even greater animosity for the speaker of the
Related to this is the traditional expectation that whoever is the Senate topnotcher in any midterm, is automatically a leading contender for the presidency in the coming presidential contest.
The Makabayan coalition or the radical left announced a 10-person slate on National Heroes Day, composed of former legislators and highranking members of its various component organizations, less as an actually competitive slate
Though the Liberals who are still fielding Kiko Pangilinan for the Senate but who have decided—wisely—to contest the party list vote, with the prospect of putting Leila de Lima, Teddy Baguilat, and Lorenzo Tañada III in the House, a strategy that will also be pursued by Akbayan which, if it wins back party list representation, can send Chel Diokno to the House as its nominee.
Leni Robredo’s back-to-basics move has resulted in former foes turned friendly faces—because she is now a local baroness and no longer aspiring to national office—making a beeline for Naga City. It’s also a reminder of how underestimated the 2022
center-left coalition’s size was: if Mrs. Arroyo hadn’t brokered the alliance that won in 2022, that election would likely have turned out to be a typical Fifth Republic multiparty contest where victory would go to a candidate who eked out a larger minority than all the others. Instead, a majority was achieved for the first time in the Fifth Republic (and also since the Third Republic) and this, in the end, was the foundation that held firm for the president and which ultimately deprived his predecessor of a firm political foundation. Because the former president never bought into the grand dreams of Leoncio Evasco Jr. to establish a national movement to supplant the existing mercenary political parties, now that he needs it, his own party has shrunk and his allies are on the run. Now that the up-to-recently-rulingcoalition split, we are closer to the configuration going into the 2022 Marcos-Duterte coalition
negotiations.
The drama of coming days, such as it is, thus revolves around who, exactly, will compose the two slates that matter most: the administration slate, and the one presenting itself as the new opposition but which is the discarded half of the former ruling coalition which has split down the middle in recent months. In 2019, Rodrigo Duterte achieved the best midterm results since the prewar Commonwealth; will that pandemic election remain a record, and the 2025 results less extreme? Will it be measured by the Fifth or Third Republic midterms? Because it is widely expected to be Round 1 of the 2028 showdown. (Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @ mlq3m
Babe’s Eye View
I will not resign – Sara...
first raised by Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, a member of the Young Guns bloc, who said that since Duterte was not interested in her job as vice president, she should just leave the OVP.
"Hindi ako sasagot sa Young Guns; kailangan kong sumagot sa 32 million na bumoto sa akin, hindi sa isa or dalawang tao. Kaya hindi ako aalis dito dahil inihalal ko ng mga tao dito (I will not answer the Young Guns; I only have to answer to the 32 million who voted for me, not just one or two people. That's why I am not leaving here as I was voted by the people) believing that I will work for the country and that is what we did)," Duterte said.
Despite claims by the House leadership that there were no moves to impeach her, Duterte stressed that there was "someone" controlling Castro, Trillanes and Sen. Risa Hontiveros in pushing for her impeachment.
Duterte reiterated that the reason she was not participating in the budget deliberations at the House of Representatives was because of her allegation that only Speaker Martin Romualdez and House Appropriations Panel Chairman and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co are the ones controlling the budget of the country. She said she would see how they would spend the proposed
P733 million budget and assured the public that the OVP would "continue to work" despite a decreased allocation.
Duterte said she aimed to go to the Senate's plenary deliberations of the OVP's budget next month.
Meanwhile, a leader of the House of Representatives said Wednesday the ongoing congressional inquiry into issues surrounding the Office of the Vice President's use of public funds was focused on ensuring accountability in government spending, denying accusations that it was politically motivated.
House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chairman Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the panel's sole aim was to ensure the proper use of public funds.
"This committee is not about politics, not about attacks, it is not even about the release or approval of any budget, as some have implied. This investigation is not prompted by any motive other than a desire to make the numbers make sense," Chua said.
"This committee, and these proceedings, are about accountability; we seek to learn the truth of how public money, ang pera ng taumbayan (the people's money), is being used and whether or not our current laws, rules, and procedures are sufficient to ensure the security and safety of these funds," he
added.
Chua noted that the amount of allegedly misused funds exceeded the legal threshold for plunder under Philippine law, as he pertained to the P125 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP that was spent in just 11 days in 2022.
The Commission on Audit (CoA) disallowed P73 million, representing nearly 60 percent of the P125 million in confidential funds.
"I must stress at this point that the sheer vastness of these potentially misused funds sets this matter apart from other instances of irregularity and disallowance; these amounts easily surpass the threshold for the crime of plunder under our laws," Chua said.
"It is incumbent upon us, who are duty-bound to ensure that our legislation and regulations are effective enough to protect the money of the people, to investigate and get to the bottom of these glaring irregularities."
Chua said that the remaining P500 million set for 2023 is being reviewed, with only P51 million having been cleared by CoA so far.
He further pointed out irregularities in the liquidation reports, noting that many expenses appeared to be rounded to even numbers and were repetitive, raising concerns about their accuracy. (With reports from the Philippine News Agency)
US missile to remain in...
uncomfortable with Manila bolstering its defense capability, they should lead by example and dismantle their ballistic missiles and nuclear armaments.
"It seems to me that before other countries interfere with the creation of our credible defense posture, they should first stop their illegal activities, get out of the West Philippine Sea, take away their ballistic capabilities, and destroy their nuclear arsenal," he said, taking a swipe at China whose vessels remain in contested areas in the South China Sea.
"We will do what needs to be done to create a credible deterrent posture," he added.
The missile arrived in the country on April 11 and was first used during the military exercises between the U.S and the Philippines.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. shared Teodoro's stand.
Brawner Jr. said he had asked U.S military officials to keep the missile system in the Philippines but declined to say what their response was.
"If I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever because we need it for our defense," Brawner told reporters.
Chinese diplomats have repeatedly conveyed their alarm to the Philippine government, warning that the deployment of the missile system could destabilize the region.
A Philippine army spokesman said earlier that the system was scheduled to be removed from the country by the end of this month.
Last month, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi expressed China's "very dramatic" concern over the U.S mid-range missile deployment to the Philippines during their recent talks in Laos on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings with Asian and Western countries.
Manalo said Wang warned the presence of the U.S missile system could be "destabilizing," but he said that he disagreed.
"They're not destabilizing," and the missile system was only in the Philippines temporarily, Manalo said he told Wang.
China has strongly opposed increased U.S military
deployments to the region, including to the Philippines, saying they could endanger regional stability and peace.
The U.S and the Philippines have repeatedly condemned China's increasingly assertive actions to fortify its territorial claims in the South China Sea, where hostilities have flared since last year with repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces and accompanying vessels.
Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterway, a key global and security route that is also believed to be sitting atop vast undersea deposits of gas and oil.
(With reports from AFP)
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL
LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS125995Mosaic Artwork Fabrication for Wilshire/Rodeo and Century City Stationsat the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/ CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS125995. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email Marc Margoni at margonim@ metro.net.
9/28/24 CNS-3854830# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
information email Joshua Sierra at sierraj3@ metro.net.
9/28/24 CNS-3854731# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
EXPLORING TAGBIBINTA FALLS. Capitol employees and media partners visit the scenic Tagbibinta Falls in Barangay Coronobe, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on Thursday, Sept. 26. The trip was part of the two-day Maragusan Adventure Circuit organized by the provincial government of Davao de Oro. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
urged to help in West PH Sea...
air traffic density, and submarine cable/fiber optic industry in the South China Sea.
“Huge oil is waiting to be found in the shallower shelf areas in the surrounding states.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that based on available exploration data as much as 11.2 billion barrels of oil and one hundred nine trillion cubic feet of natural gas remain to be tapped in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. In some places, exploitation is already in full swing fuelling the growing economies of Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. The Southeast Asian countries that developed their reserves well ahead of other literal states. The
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS124403-2State Advocacy Services bids@ metro.net.
All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA V/CM Department at bids@metro. neton or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected. Each proposal must be marked Proposal No. PS124403-2.
For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Victor Zepeda at zepedav@metro.net.
9/28/24 CNS-3855058# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
Philippines unfortunately has yet to truly take advantage of its petroleum prospects owing to its very slow rate of petroleum exploration activities averaging about just one tenth of that of its neighbors before 2010,” Batongbacal said.
Dr. Hyacinth Suarez, a marine biologist, was also invited to talk about marine biodiversity in the area specifically on the marine conservation and Philippine black corals.
Suarez took note of the ecological importance of black corals to the Philippine seas and how these are “black diamonds of the Philippine seas” are now being exploited and smuggled for jewelry purposes.
“The Philippines is endowed with dense biodiversity and we are part of the Coral Triangle, which means that we are one of those places with high corral diversity. Now corals are considered tropical rainforests of the sea. It is a productive ecosystem. It supports fishery, tourism, recreation and even natural products. It also offers us coastal protection. Despite their ecological relevance, sadly there is black coral trade in the Philippines,” Suarez lamented.
According to Suarez, 28 species of black corals have been identified in the Philippines, 13 of which have been found in Central Philippines where Suarez team studied and explored to determine if black corals could actually serve as habitat, feeding ground and shelter area for other organisms.
“Our study shows that the Philippines has a high density of black coral species and these support biodiversity and are ecologically relevant,” she added.
For his part, Atty. Marlon Baldomero, a Los Angeles-based expert on international law was asked to react to the forum’s presentations.
Baldomero asserted other presenters’ point of view that Filipinos as citizens of the Philippines should stand together against all adversities concerning
our country even if it means “David going against Goliath."
“We Filipinos, we love the Philippines. So what does that mean? So we love our country. We love our people. We love our culture and part of that is we need to have a defined idea of what it means to be part of the Philippines...It’s a very difficult position to be in where we have to assert our rights as our country [and] we have the backing of the legal community. But at the same time, we also know that the geopolitical reality is that China is a China. So we have the decision, we have the backing of the legal community, we have to use this as a springboard for other countries in the area, to show China and other countries that there are rules, they have to follow the rules,” Baldomero said.
Proclamation No. 316, s. 2017, declares the month of September as the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month which synchronized the celebration of all maritime-related events and activities in a single month.
This primarily aims to develop a sense of unity and pride among Filipinos in addressing the threats to the coastal and marine environment, increase awareness and appreciation for the Philippines’ maritime and archipelagic nature and concerns, and encourage all Filipinos to work together for a sustainable and secure ocean economy.
The Philippines is a maritime and archipelagic country composed of more than 7,000 islands with more than 14,000 coastal communities highly dependent on marine resources for living. As a maritime nation, every Filipino is encouraged to seek out initiatives and be informed on how to protect the country's maritime interests and resources from various maritime threats.
MANA Moa 2024 focuses on the fruits that the sea brings and calls on every Filipino to be stewards of our marine and maritime resources and protect the same for future generations. n
First West Nile virus death of 2024
reported in LA County
THE Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first death due to West Nile virus for the 2024 mosquito season in Los Angeles County. The patient, a resident of the San Fernando Valley, was hospitalized and died from neurological illness caused by severe West Nile virus.
"To the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one due to West Nile virus, we extend our heartfelt condolences,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “This tragic loss highlights the serious health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, dengue, and others. Using insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, eliminating items that hold standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs and develop, and using or fixing screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of the home are simple steps everyone can take to significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease for both you and your neighbors."
West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus therefore, most people bitten by a mosquito are not exposed to the virus. Those who do get West Nile virus may experience mild symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. While everyone is at risk for West Nile virus, people over 50 and those with health problems are at greater risk of serious illness, which can include meningitis (brain infection), encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and limb paralysis. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus disease and no vaccine to prevent infection.
A total of 14 cases have been documented in Los Angeles
County so far this year (excluding Long Beach and Pasadena as cases identified in those cities are reported by their local health departments). Peak mosquito season lasts from June to November in LA County. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease that affects residents in LA County.
Public Health reports cases of West Nile virus every year, which means the virus is endemic to the region. In collaboration with local vector control agencies, Public Health monitors cases of West Nile virus infection and actively engages residents to provide information about reducing the risk of West Nile virus to humans by promoting protective measures against mosquitoes.
Resident are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce their risk: Wear mosquito repellent: Mosquito repellents can prevent mosquito bites. EPAregistered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. They are available as sprays, wipes, and lotions. Consider wearing longsleeved clothes and pants when outside.
Keep mosquitoes out their homes: Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
Prevent mosquito breeding: Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Clear standing water in flowerpots, saucers, birdbaths and other outdoor containers. Empty items that hold water inside and outside your home once a week. Mosquito eggs only need a thimbleful of water to hatch.
• Clean and maintain swimming pools, spas and drain water from pool covers.
• Throw away old items in your patio or yard that can hold water, e.g., old car tires and children’s toys.
• Call 2-1-1 or call your local vector control agency to report persistent problems to your mosquito control district.
West Nile virus is a disease caused by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus survives in nature in several types of birds and is transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. West Nile virus spreads during warm weather months when mosquitoes are most active. While not all mosquitoes carry this virus, the type of mosquito that spreads this virus is found throughout Los Angeles County.
Most people who get West Nile virus don’t have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as:
• headache • body aches • joint pains
•
About 1 in 150 people will have severe symptoms that may include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, and sometimes rash. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after being infected. If symptoms are severe, residents are encouraged to call their doctor right away.
• Cover water storage containers such as buckets and rain barrels. For containers with no lid, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
California governor signs law banning medical...
Trump is elected again, if they will be at all.
“Nobody chooses to get sick, and then your credit gets ruined,” said Chi Chi Wu, a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. “That’s why we encourage states to keep adopting laws. In case something goes wrong at the federal level, the states could protect their own consumers.”
When California’s new law goes into effect in January, it will extend these protections to credit reports used for employment and tenant screening, Wu said. This is in addition to the proposed federal ban on reporting to credit agencies that inform credit card companies and mortgage lenders.
California lawmakers noted that medical debt — unlike other kinds of debt — isn’t an accurate reflection of credit risk, and its inclusion can depress credit scores and make it hard for people to get a job, rent an apartment, or secure a car loan.
But California lawmakers have left a glaring loophole. Patients who pay hospital bills using medical credit cards or medical specialty loans — which can come with interest rates as high as 36% — won’t get that debt taken off their credit report, as residents of Colorado, Minnesota, and New York do. It’s a concession the financial industry won through late-in-the-game
“hostile” amendments, which “influential entities opposed to the measure prevailed” in including, Limón said. In a 2022 KFF poll on medical debt, 15% of adults said they had used a medical credit card.
Kelly Parsons-O’Brien, legislative chair of the California Association of Collectors, which rep-
resents collection agencies, said the exemptions were essential because medical credit card holders can buy nonmedical items and medical loans can be refinanced with nonmedical debt, making it “impossible” for creditors to know what’s actually a medical charge.
“More consumers will get into situations where they cannot afford to pay, and lenders will be operating in the dark,” ParsonsO’Brien said.
The three largest U.S. credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — said they would stop listing some medical debt, including paid-off debts and those less than $500, but millions of patients were left with bigger medical bills on their credit reports. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported in April that 15 million Americans still had medical bills on their credit reports.
About 4 in 10 Californians report carrying some type of medical debt, which disproportionately affects low-income, Black, and Latino patients, according to the California Health Care Foundation.
Dozens of states have enacted legislation to protect consumers from surprise billing and medical debt, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Newsom, a Democrat, also signed legislation on Tuesday banning hospitals from using liens on all real property owned by Californians who typically earn less than 400% of the federal poverty level. It expands current state law that protects a patient’s home from debt collectors.
A KFF Health News analysis found that credit reporting is the most common collection tactic
used by hospitals to get patients to pay their bills. A credit score ban might make it more difficult for hospitals to collect.
When Sacramento resident Sonia Hayden and her boyfriend applied for a home loan last year, she discovered her credit score had dropped about a hundred points. It had been downgraded because of an approximately $200 emergency room charge after a car accident years ago.
The 44-year-old said her insurance covered tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills but that the hospital miscoded the $200 charge and she never received a bill for it. That, she said, should also have been charged to insurance. Hayden tried unsuccessfully for over a year to resolve the issue with her health insurer. It’s still on her credit report. She was eventually able to get a home loan, but her interest rates were higher because of her credit score.
“Medical bills, they’re not on purpose, you know?” said Hayden, who testified in support of the legislation. “It was already a super traumatic accident. I almost died. And then to have this super stressful medical bill — nobody’s asking for that. It shouldn’t affect your credit.” (Molly Castle Work/ KFF Health News)
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating
PAGE
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Mortgage rates are dropping: What it me ans for California homeowners and homebuyers
Homeownership is more than just a lofty American dream—it’s how many can build generational wealth. For the Black community, 90% of wealth gains come from homeownership, meaning that owning a home continues to be a crucial method for many households to build and accumulate wealth.
The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the U.S.’ central bank that dictates interest rates, continues to indicate that a potential rate cut is on the horizon. Not only can this impact affordability for prospective buyers, but it could be advantageous for current homeowners that are locked into higher interest rates.
But, what does this all mean? Chase Bank answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:
What role do interest rates play in buying a home?
Mortgages respond to market conditions, including the Fed’s monetary policy. As interest rates climb, so do the interest on new mortgages and mortgage payments. Conversely, if rates fall, so does the interest on mortgages. So, buying at a lower rate can save you money in mortgage payments.
Should I wait to buy a home once interest rates fall?
Timing the market perfectly is not only challenging, but near impossible to do. While we hope the Fed will cut rates this year, it’s never guaranteed. Lower interest rates can save you money, but they’re not the only factor affecting affordability. So, instead of focusing on perfectly timing the market, we recommend leaning into what you can control: being financially prepared to buy a home.
Outside of readying your finances for homeownership, you can look for options that can lower costs and promote savings such as low down payment mortgages, down payment assistance programs and grants. And don’t forget you always can buy a home now and refinance in the future once rates drop.
How do I prepare myself to buy a home in this current environment?
We not only want consumers to attain homeownership but to sustain it. That’s why it’s important to understand what exactly you can afford before getting into the market. There are a variety of resources to help you prepare financially for buying a home to see how much you can afford in the areas you’re looking to buy, compare loan options and obtain a free credit score. You’ll also want to start compiling all of your necessary documents for pre-approval, such as W2s, bank statements, income documentation, etc.
What about the down payment? Do I need to have 20% of the home cost saved up?
Most first-time home buyers are singularly focused on
saving for a down payment. However, long gone are the days of putting down 20% of the purchase price – low down payment loan options are available with some requiring as low as 3% down. Plus, there are a variety of incentives and grants that can lower your costs. For instance, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500, where eligible, to help with the interest rate, closing costs, and the down payment. These grants are offered in low- to moderate-income communities and neighborhoods that are designated by the U.S. Census as majority-Black, Hispanic and/or Latino.
Should I only work with one lender for my mortgage?
Studies show that 45% of borrowers who shopped around for mortgages received lower offers. Make lenders compete for your business – many have varying fees and closing costs that can add up. Also, interest rates can fluctuate daily, so lock in your rate with your lender if they offer that option for extra peace of mind.
I’m an existing homebuyer. How does a rate cut impact my situation?
It can be a good time to refinance when interest rates are going down, especially for those with rates above or at 7%. For current homeowners looking to refinance, we advise them to keep their end goal in mind as they consider whether refinancing makes sense for their personal situation. Work with your local advisor or using a Refinance Savings Calculator to understand when it makes sense for your specific situation to refinance.
Why should I refinance when rates are lower?
When interest rates are lower, you may be able to refinance your loan for a shorter term without seeing much of a change in your monthly payment. Even if your payments are higher, you may see significant savings over the life of your loan by making fewer interest payments. For example, you may decide to refinance a 30-year loan into a 15-year loan. While it has higher monthly payments, you’ll pay the loan down faster and pay less in interest.
Whether we’ll see a rate cut or not, there are many tools for first-time homebuyers and experienced owners to keep homeownership affordable and sustainable. For more information visit Chase.com/afford to start your journey, invest in your future and save in the long run.
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/ recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.
Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC © 2024 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
LOS ANGELES
Heart Evangelista wants Anne Curtis to attend more fashion events
by
IF there’s any local celebrity that fashion maven Heart Evangelista wants to grace more fashion events, it would be Anne Curtis, who the former said deserved to have her own “moment” in the high-stakes fashion scene.
On Tuesday, September 24, Evangelista uploaded a mini vlog on her “Day O” in Paris, showing her fittings with luxury brands, campaign photoshoots, and in-between conversations with her team.
In one of the clips, the fashion influencer was seen scrolling through her Instagram feed when she saw Curtis’ post on her attendance at one of the shows in this year’s Milan Fashion Week. Ang cute, cute ni Anne,” expressed Evangelista. “Anne, I want you to have the moment… Dalian mo na, Anne, rampa ka na dito ( Hurry up, Anne, come and grace the runway here ).” Evangelista also complimented the “It’s Showtime” host’s fashion week outfit, pointing out that they have more in common than their
having grown up under the show biz spotlight almost at the same time — they also have the same tastes in fashion that it felt like they were “twinning.”
On top of that, Evangelista said she admired Curtis “pure heart.”
“I really appreciate Anne; you know, when we were growing up, we were both in showbiz, and it was a little bit stressful,” she said. “But then, as you age, you really discover she has such a pure heart so it’s so nice that we are okay, and we became good friends.”
“I should spend time with Anne. She’s very nice; she’s very supportive; she’s a girl’s girl,” concluded the Kapuso star.
Curtis previously left a comment in one of Evangelista’s photos from Paris Fashion Week, simply writing, “Love!” followed by a red heart emoji, which received more than 1,000 likes from netizens as of writing.
In June, Evangelista and Curtis landed fourth and ninth spots, respectively, in the Top 20 Global Celebrities for all Fashion and Sportswear based on Launchmetrics Insights’ report on fashion marketing.
Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
Heart Evangelista (left) and Anne Curtis
Photos from Instagram/@iamhearte, @annecurtissmith
‘CITIZEN PUTI’:
Ria Atayde gives birth to first child with Zanjoe Marudo
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
RIA Atayde is officially a mom with the birth of her first child six months after tying the knot with husband Zanjoe Marudo in March. Marudo announced on Facebook that Atayde gave birth to their first child on Monday, Sept. 23. He didn’t disclose any more details about his wife’s birth, save for a video clip of a baby in a carriage being pushed by a nurse at an undisclosed hospital.
The video also contained the text, “09.23.24,” referring to the birth date of their child.
“Eto na! Officially Zaddy ka na Z (Here you go! You’re officially a Zaddy, Z),” he wrote.
The actor also shared the same video on his Instagram Story. Atayde reposted her husband’s short video on her Instagram Story as well.
While details on the couple’s first child are yet to be disclosed to the public, an ABS-CBN News report said the actress gave birth early morning of Sept. 23.
Atayde and Marudo said “I do” in a civil ceremony witnessed by their loved ones in Quezon City Hall last March. The actress
confirmed her pregnancy three months later, where she reiterated that she “didn’t owe anyone an announcement.”
‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ cast shares newfound respect for OFWs
by cHarMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com
THE cast members of the film “Maple Leaf Dreams” have expressed their admiration for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are hailed as the “modern-day heroes.”
In the movie, lead actors Kira Balinger and LA Santos portrayed Molly and Macky, a couple who move to Toronto to seek better jobs. They made sacrifices to leave their homes to provide for their families. Along the way, they experience personal, professional and cultural setbacks that test their decision and their love.
The tearjerker “Maple Leaf Dreams,” helmed by Benedict Mique (“ Lolo and the Kid”), also includes the cast members Joey Marquez, Snooky Serna, Ricky Davao, Malou Crisologo, Jong Cuenco, Jeff Gaitan, Hannah Thalia Vito, Luke Alford, Kanishia Santos, Benito Mique, Wilson Martinito and Bea Rose Santiago.
Eighty percent of the film was shot on location in Canada. While filming, Kira and LA were able to meet with and immerse themselves in the OFW community in Canada, and the experience opened their eyes and hearts to the realities of how it was like living and working there.
“It is really a big deal for you to be present for your loved ones,” declared LA during the presscon after the Red Carpet Premiere of the film at the Gateway Cinema. “All of us is going through something that’s why saying just a simple ‘I love you’ or ‘How are you?’ is already a big deal. I hope the moviegoers will have this as takeaway from the film, that they will tell their crush, ‘I love you’ (after watching).”
The Star Magic actor also showed his respect for OFWs. He said, “ Bilib na bilib ako sa inyo . You really deserve the world because never kayong nabigyan ng justice, never kayong naintindihan ng mga tao. Tingin lang ng mga tao sa inyo pera ka . They think you can do this and that and it’s easy but it’s not.”
“I just wanna say I really admire you guys. The people don’t see how you work hard just to buy a pair of shoes for your siblings or your children.”
LA wished that the viewers would like the film because he accepted the movie project and his role as Macky to pay tribute to the Filipinos and OFWs.
“This is not for me, (it’s) not (because) I wanted to be an actor. I did Macky because I want to give voice to the OFWs and I want them to know that they are appreciated,” he asserted.
Kira echoed, “I have so much respect for the OFWs. I have family members who are OFWs and my message to them, to all the OFWs who will watch our movie, keep going. Like I know
it is so hard but you have those dreams, you have all those goals that you want to achieve.
“And you deserve to achieve those dreams so please keep on going. Because when you feel like you want to give up n a, tapos ka na, ayaw mo na that’s when the breakthrough is almost about to happen. The Lord is just testing you if you are going to pursue it, if you are strong enough for the dreams that you have. So keep going, keep your family in your heart always and pray also.”
Bea, who is now based in Canada, recalled that she also experienced waiting to get a permanent resident status in Canada.
“I also lost my lolo . It was painful and hard,” she added.
“That’s my takeaway (from the film). To all who have family members who are OFWs, they are not money machines. They are also going through rocky times.”
Kanishia, for her part, shared that she empathized with the OFWs. Relating to the film, she said, “I felt how
Alexa Ilacad reflects on motherhood in upcoming Unitel film ‘Mujigae’
POPULAR "Pinoy Big
Brother" host and actress Alexa Ilacad could not escape taking a closer look at what motherhood is all about while shooting the family drama "Mujigae," which opens in cinemas on October 9. A cross-cultural narrative, Ilacad plays Sunny in the film, a woman tasked with caring for her half-Korean niece named Mujigae after the child's mother passes away. The 24-year-old celebrity admitted at a media conference that she could relate to her role's hesitation to look after a kid, confessing that
she was not particularly fond of children in real life for the longest time.
"That was until I had my own nieces. Honestly, they changed my life," Ilacad said in Filipino. Working closely with child actress Ryrie Sophia further helped her get comfortable with little ones.
"After working with Ryrie, I realized that children are actually cute and fun to be around. I especially like Ryrie; I find her so fun to be with. She's so mature and were like friends on set," she added.
Reflecting on her experience filming the movie, Ilacad said she realized the many challenges of motherhood.
"My main takeaway is that it's really hard to be a mother. It takes so much selflessness. It made me ask myself, 'Could I ever do this?'" she pondered. However, Ilacad emphasized that becoming a mother has yet to be part of her immediate plans.
"It's not something I'm thinking about right now. I want to focus on my career. I have
‘He should be heralded first’: Lea Salonga says Dolphy deserves to be National Artist
by KatHleen lleMit Philstar.com
THEATRE star Lea Salonga emphatically said no when she was asked about her being named as a National Artist. Salonga, who recently had her own Madame Tussauds wax figure in Singapore, would instead like to champion Dolphy as one of the country's National Artists.
"No, no, no. No, there are folks who are far more deserving and whose National Artist Awards are long overdue," she said during the ambush interview with the press including Philstar.com after the award ceremony of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 held on Friday, September 20 in Samsung Theater in Circuit Makati. Salonga was feted for her body of work and accomplishments in theater. The Broadway star is a Tony- and Laurence Olivier awardee, as well as a nominee of the Grammy Awards. Beyond theater, Salonga was named a Disney legend in 2011 for work in some of Disney's well-loved titles, including "Mulan" and "Aladdin."
"I would love to see somebody like Dolphy, for example, it is because we have to judge him as an
Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde Photo from Happy Folks Studio Inc. via Instagram/@ria
‘Maple Leaf Dreams,’ lead actors Kira Balinger and LA Santos portray Molly and Macky, a Filipino couple who decided to move to Toronto for a better life. Philstar.com photo
Alexa Ilacad and child actress Ryrie Sophia
Photo courtesy Of Unitel Straight Shooters
Lea Salonga
Photo from leasalonga.com
Spotted in Singapore, Liza Soberano, Jeffrey Oh fuel new romance rumors
by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
ROMANCE rumors between Liza Soberano and James Reid's ex-business partner Jeffrey Oh sparked anew after they were seen together in Singapore recently.
Indonesian actress Raline Shah posted on her Instagram story her brief encounter with Liza.
“It was nice meeting you, most beautiful girl in the Philippines and the world for sure,” Raline told Liza.
At the end of the video, Jeffrey was seen at the back.
The video trended online as social media users speculated that Liza and Jeffrey are in a relationship.
Recently, Careless Music Chief Executive Officer James Reid revealed why he terminated Jeffrey from his company. Reid said that they terminated Oh because Oh was arrested and detained by Bureau of Immigration because he had no legal documents to work in the country. “There were many grounds, but the most basic, the most urgent was that, Jeff is a foreigner. At the time of the audit that we did, he did not have complete papers to be able to work in the Philippines. This was the reason why the immigration filed a complaint against him,” James' legal counsel Rodel De Guzman said.
Amy
Amy Nobleza graduates magna cum laude, credits Vice Ganda for helping finish college
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Former child
star Amy Nobleza graduated from Lyceum of the Philippines University - Manila with a Business Administration degree (majoring in Marketing Management) as magna cum laude. Amy posted on Instagram a series of pictures from her graduation with family and
friends, highlighted by her official graduation photos.
“I did it! Thank you, Lord!
Everything became possible because of the support and trust of the people around me,” Amy wrote in the caption of one post, thanking her family, friends, and fans.
“And [thanks] especially to the person who helped me finish and achieve this, meme Vice Ganda. I’ll forever be grateful to you,” she ended the post. “This is just
the beginning. Cheers to the future! She believed she could, so she did.”
Back in 2019, Amy appeared on the “ Tawag ng Tanghalan ” segment of “It’s Showtime” where prior to the judges’ critiques, Vice offered to pay for Amy’s studies if she did not have enough money for college.
A consistent honor student in elementary and high school, Amy shared at the time that she
Pia Wurtzbach walks the runway in Paris Fashion Week 2024 show
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
PIA Wurtzbach is among the celebrities and models who set the “Walk Your Worth” show at Paris Fashion Week on fire, as she became the first Filipina to prance on the runway held by a French cosmetics brand.
Wurtzbach sizzled the runway in a body-hugging black off-shoulder midi dress with pink detachable sleeves in L’Oreal’s “Le Défilé ‘Walk Your Worth” show, which was held at the Place de l’Opéra in Paris, France, on Sept. 23 (early morning of Sept. 24 in the Philippines).
The cosmetic brand’s serum, liquid foundation, newly launched mascara, and liquid lipstick completed her look.
The Miss Universe 2015 titleholder graced the catwalk with her signature smize before finishing with a radiant smile.
Also part of the show were Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Cara
Delevingne, “Bridgerton” star Simone Ashley, Miss World 1994 Aishwarya Rai, and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, among others.
Hours before the fashion show, the former beauty queen also shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of her experience on Instagram.
“Just a few more hours before it’s showtime…but first, an obligatory balcony shot! Sharing a few snaps at the suite and me signing some polaroids. It’s the calm before the storm.
But I’m ready,” she wrote.
Wurtzbach, who’s now a Fashion Week regular, was announced as part of the fashion show as the ambassador of the cosmetics brand’s local branch. She was also the face of its’ Sayang ? No, #ImWorthIt” campaign in March 2024.
The beauty queen-turnedfashion personality’s recent milestone comes fresh off the heels of her appearance in multiple shows at the recent Milan Fashion Week in Italy.
by Patricia Dela roca Philstar.com
MANILA — Kim Chiu has been named the Outstanding Asian Star at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2024, an awards event held annually in South Korea.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, where photos captured the Kapamilya star walking the purple carpet in an elegant blush-pink gown by Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran.
Four Outstanding Asian Star awardees were recognized at the event with Kim representing the Philippines, Desmond Tan from Singapore, Win Metawin from Thailand, Siti Saleha from Malaysia.
Kim’s recognition was driven by fan support, with the actress garnering the highest number of votes in an online poll conducted via the IdolChamp app.
Her fellow nominees included her on-screen partner Paulo Avelino, Nadine Lustre (“Road Killers”), Bea Alonzo (“Love Before Sunrise”), Rhian Ramos (“Royal Blood”), Krissha Viaje (“Safe Skies Archer”), and Jerome Ponce (“Road Killers/Safe Skies Archer”).
Other Pinoy stars Dingdong Dantes (“Royal Blood”), Jane Oineza (“Cattleya Killer”), Dennis Trillo (“Love Before Sunrise”), Andrea Torres (“Love Before Sunrise”), Arjo Atayde (“Cattleya Killer”), Bodjie Pascua (“Road Killers”) and Sid Lucero (“Love Before Sunrise”) were also nominated for the category.
Kim’s accolade adds to a growing list of Filipino celebrities honored at the Seoul International Drama Awards, with Kathryn Bernardo winning the same award in 2023, and Belle Mariano taking home the trophy in 2022.
In her acceptance speech, Kim turned emotional as she expressed her gratitude to the people behind
all the opportunities she has received throughout her career, especially to the late Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal. “I want to express my gratitude u PAGE B5
Nobleza
Liza Soberano and Jeffrey Oh Philstar.com photo
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big dreams, like saving more money and achieving stability.
Alexa Ilacad reflects... Filipino fashion designers to be highlighted in exhibit preceding ‘Ibalon’ on Oct. 27
But maybe one day, if I'm stable enough and have the right partner, I will consider having a family," she noted.
Joining Ilacad in the cast of Mujigae is Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, who plays Ji Seong, the father of five-year-old Mujigae.
Kim, who is signed with GMA Network's Sparkle Artists Center, adds a cross-cultural
dimension to the film with his portrayal of a struggling single father in Korea. It also stars comedian Rufa Mae Quinto in a special role. Mujigae is directed by Randolph Longjas and produced by Unitel Straight Shooters, the same makers of the awardwinning 2003 Sharon Cunetastarrer, "Crying Ladies." The film will be released exclusively in SM Cinemas on October 9. (ManilaTimes.net)
TRAILBLAZING Filipino fashion designers Lenora “Lenlen” Cabili and Fernandina “Ditta” Sandico, will be highlighted in an exciting cultural and fashion exhibit titled “Prelude to Pinagmulan” preceding the Philippine Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) “Ibalon” show to be held on Oct. 27 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
The exhibit, which will be free to the public from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., before the ballet show and performance at 5:00 p.m., will highlight designs created from indigenous materials and will feature tribal music. Oskar Atendido is the exhibit designer while Arni Montinola is the exhibit master engineer. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Asked what made her decide to join this exhibit and one-ofa-kind cultural event, Cabili said, “It was because of the vision of pushing for Philippine culture as our soft power through the five senses. When I met Marilou Magsaysay (PBT president) and Rosie Chua (‘Ibalon’ producer), we had a common vision of highlighting our culture through textiles and celebrating Filipino artisans.”
Sandico, on the other hand, said, “Participating in a fashion show in a new venue, especially in the United States, is always an exciting opportunity for me. It allows me to connect more closely with my clients there, who have been incredibly loyal to my craft.”
Cabili added that she is “honored to be showcasing my collection with Ditta who is a dear friend and a designer I respect for her work with indigenous and traditional fabrics like abaca. This shared appreciation of our local textiles will be celebrated through the pieces we will be showing.”
Sandico, who is celebrating almost four decades in the fashion industry, agreed. She said, “Being chosen as one of the featured designers is a great honor. I’m excited to showcase my work at a prestigious venue like the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with a team of like-minded artists who will be presenting their talents and expertise on stage.”
Cabili, the creative director of Filip + Inna, the fashion brand she established in 2009, described her pieces: “The pieces we are presenting will show the diversity of our cultural traditions through weaving, beadwork and embroidery.”
Sandico shared, “For this show, I will be featuring outfits made from our exclusive fabric, banaca, which is a unique blend with abaca as a key ingredient. The silhouettes will be both sculptural and traditional, drawing inspiration from the Filipiniana style of dress. In addition, we will showcase Mangyan-embroidered fabrics, crafted into modern pieces designed for the contemporary market.”
When asked about her favorite outfit, Cabili said, “The Alegria terno which is a collaboration with Balay ni Atong. The design process started when Al Valenciano asked me to design a piece using his silk inabel fabric, which was developed in 2016. Taking into consideration the width of the fabric, I decided to create the siete cuchillos (seven spearheaded panel skirt) which was a popular style during the end of the 19th century. The raglan is one of my favorite sleeve details and I used it for the fitted top with a high collar.
“Upon closely inspecting the fabric, I noticed that its mata mata design had similar components to the shell beads that we already had on hand. The beads were inspired by the Maranao inlay, and were custom-made in Cebu. The garment’s final version was completed when I redesigned it to include the terno sleeves.
“What makes the Alegria terno quite special is that it represents the three major islands of our archipelago – Inabel fabric from Luzon, shell beads from the Visayas, on a beadwork pattern inspired by the Maranao inlay of Mindanao.”
Sandico said, “As a designer, I don’t have just one favorite
outfit. My choice of clothing depends on the occasion and what feels most suitable at the moment. When it comes to color and silhouette, I typically start with a solid black or white base. I then layer on bright jewel tones and vivid shades like turquoise, magenta, or chartreuse to create striking accents against a simple background.”
On her website, Sandico explained her mission: “As a designer, my mission is simple, my advocacy direct. I strive to craft smart, timeless, stylish pieces using organic indigenous fabrics in the hope of promoting my country’s natural resources and advocating a sustainable way of life. My passion for fabrics has, over time, transformed itself into a life devoted to promoting the use of these local textiles and supporting the communities that produce them.”
Get the total amazing cultural experience and see the exhibit. “Ibalon,” presented in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), is co-presented by Philippine Airlines, Arko Foods Market (Glendale) and American Seafood Ranch Market (Cerritos). It will be an unforgettable evening staged by PBT, which is also the CCP’s resident dance company. ABS-CBN and SoJanelle TV are the media sponsors. Ted Benito is producing the show for LXV Enterprises, LLC. Emmy and Telly Award winner Lisa Lew’s P & L Media provides the creative video marketing concept and campaign production.
Tickets at $250, $200, $150, $100 and $75 are available from Rosie (818) 859-3108; Gilbert (213) 458-0582; and Gerald (909) 851-6406. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, California 90703.
Photos of Ditta Sandico by Henry Ferrer, other photos of Sandico models by Arthur Tselishchev and Kyle Magsino
Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides out of state?
THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a divorce, annulment, or legal separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domicile is where a person lives and intends to remain. However, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking a divorce rather than annulment or legal separation. To obtain a divorce in California, one of the parties must have been a resident of California for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce petition.
Responding spouses can use this requirement as a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such requirement when the petitioner filed for divorce. In addition, divorce petitions may be filed in the county where at least one spouse resided for 3 months immediately prior to filing the petition.
Now apart from getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulled status, there may be issues relating to distributing community and separate
properties between the spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the respondent. Personal jurisdiction means the respondent has minimum contacts with California even if not physically here. Some of the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, domicile, residence, citizenship, consent, appearance in the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other relationship to the state. If the respondent does not have minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge any orders relating to distribution of property and support based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction.
With regards to initial child custody issues, these issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. California Courts have the power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home state at the time the action was filed.
California may also assume power to make custody orders if California has been the child’s home state within six months before the action was filed, the child is absent form California, and a parent continues to live in California. California may also exercise jurisdiction when no other
state is the child’s home state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders. California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child.
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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
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Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH
REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Kim Chiu thanks fans, mentors at Seoul...
to these incredible people who made this moment possible. First, my company, ABS-CBN, Star Magic, Direk Lauren (Dyogi, head of Star Magic) who is here tonight, thank you for always believing in me,” said Chiu.
She also shared her honor with the team behind her thriller-drama series “Linlang” and its producer Dreamscape Entertainment for their “guidance,” “passion,” and “vision.” Kim also thanked her fans in her speech, stating, “And to my everloving, supportive fans, this award
is also for you. Your unconditional love, efforts, and belief in me have always been my source of strength and for that, I am truly grateful.” She was brought to tears as she paid tribute to the late Dreamscape head whom she regarded as her boss, mentor, and friend in her final statements. “I wouldn’t be standing here tonight without your trust and guidance and opportunities you gave me. Thank you so much, Sir.” “This is a dream come true for me to represent ABS-CBN and my country, the Philippines,” she ended.
On seeing truths in other religions
Pastor’s Notes
ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas
ELDAD and Medad were the two men who were not in the tent with the seventy elders who received the gift of prophecy when the Spirit came upon them in a gathering with Moses. Yet, they were also prophesying. Joshua immediately reported this issue to Moses and asked him to stop them. Moses responded, saying, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow His Spirit on them all!”
This event, found in this Sunday’s (September 29) First Reading (Numbers 11:25-29), brings to mind the criticism some Catholics directed towards Pope Francis during his recent trip to Indonesia. During this visit, he met with Islamic leaders and other nonChristian leaders, preaching that different religions are paths to the same God. Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino, a Filipino theologian, wrote in his column for the Manila Bulletin that these typical detractors of the Pope reacted hysterically and accused him of committing heresy.
“He (the Pope) is right, however, and what he said
during his recently concluded apostolic journey is nothing new. In fact, it should be familiar to all who have studied the documents of Vatican II—which, in addition to the clergy, includes the Catholic faithful,” Fr. Aquino wrote. He then quoted The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), No. 8, noting: “This Church (the unique Church of Jesus Christ), constituted and organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in union with that successor, although many elements of sanctification and of truth can be found outside of her visible structure.” Through this Vatican II teaching, Fr. Aquino reiterates that elements of the true Church can be found in other ecclesial communions and even in other faiths. What the Council is declaring is that while the fullness of Jesus’ Church is found within the Catholic Church, this does not exclude other ecclesial communities from being paths to sanctification and truth.
Additionally, Fr. Aquino wrote, “In the constitution, we read the following: ‘Those also can attain everlasting salvation who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and, moved by grace, strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.’”
I hope that Fr. Aquino’s defense of the Holy Father’s remarks on “paths to the same God” provides clarity regarding the Catholic Church’s teachings on salvation outside of the Catholic Church. It encourages open-mindedness, enables us to recognize truths in other religions, and inspires us to relate harmoniously and peacefully with those of different faiths. As Fr. Aquino quoted from The Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate): “The Catholic Church rejects nothing which is true and holy in these religions. She looks with sincere respect upon those ways of conduct and life, those rules and teachings which, although differing in many particulars from what she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of Truth that enlightens all people.”
Let us take this message to heart. Together, we can foster a spirit of dialogue, understanding, and compassion towards our neighbors of all faiths, thereby embodying the essence of our call as Christians to love and serve one another.
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
‘Maple Leaf Dreams’ cast shares...
PAGE B2 they miss their families back home and losing their family members. I saw and felt the OFWs (hardship and pain) and also their families.”
Hannah, on the other hand, lauded the acting performance of Kira and LA. “I was moved and even cried. Somehow, the movie resonated with me because it’s not just about working abroad but also being independent in general — having to work, live by yourself without your family. People romanticized it a lot but it’s really a difficult process when it comes to having to be yourself.”
“The life of OFWs is really tough,” Jong pointed out. “Plus, of course, based on my character in the movie, you could really see the difference in social standing. In the film, Joey’s character is my relative. But the way I treated him because only I was a bit more moneyed than him so you could really see the difference in society and then it forces someone to leave para lang ma -improve yung buhay nung tatay niya. Hopefully we get that message across.”
“Maple Leaf Dreams” will be screened in local theaters nationwide starting today,
Sept. 25, and in major cities in Canada on Sept. 27. The story is co-written by direk Benedict and Hannah Cruz. It is produced by 7K Entertainment, Lonewolf Films and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, and distributed by Quantum Films in the Philippines and Robe Entertainment in Canada. For their performances for “Maple Leaf Dreams,” Kira and LA were nominated Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively, at the recentlyconcluded Sinag Maynila 2024. Benedict and Hannah also earned nomination for Best Screenplay.
Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess
Philippine real estate market poised for growth: A prime opportunity for overseas Filipinos
Sharon ann Bathan-San Pedro
DESPITE a slower-thanexpected recovery in the early part of the year, the Philippine real estate market is now showing promising signs of growth for 2024. For overseas Filipinos looking to invest back home, this could mean better opportunities and returns in the coming months.
Demand drivers: What fuels growth?
The resurgence in demand for office spaces, particularly within the Metro Manila area, is being driven by key sectors: (data source: inq7.net)
• Business Process Outsourcing
(BPO): This sector remains a strong player, contributing 38% of the demand for office spaces in the metro.
• Online gaming: Another significant player, online gaming companies account for 19% of office space demand.
• Other industries: The remaining 43% comes from various industries, showing diversity in growth. For investors, this trend highlights the importance of identifying properties near major business hubs, as demand for office spaces directly impacts nearby residential areas.
Township locations: The rise of areas outside Metro Manila
An interesting trend is the growing prominence of real estate developments outside of Metro Manila. In fact, 60% of township locations are now concentrated in provinces like Laguna, Cebu, Pampanga, and Cavite. These areas are rapidly urbanizing,
offering potential investors a chance to tap into emerging markets with less competition than Metro Manila.
With the growth of township developments and business centers in these regions, overseas investors should consider properties in key provinces. Not only do they offer competitive pricing, but they are also positioned for long-term value appreciation.
Resilience amid global challenges
Even with global economic uncertainty, the Philippine real estate market remains resilient.
Using the metrics set by the McKinsey Report, the country has achieved what is referred to as a “soft landing,” avoiding severe economic pitfalls that could have impacted growth. In 2024, the real estate sector is expected to maintain this upward trajectory, buoyed by favorable conditions such as controlled inflation and sustained economic expansion.
For overseas Filipinos looking to invest, this resilience is a key factor.
The Philippine real estate market, especially in residential, township, and mixed-use developments, has proven to weather financial downturns better than many other regions.
The rise of residential prices and opportunities
As noted in recent data, residential property prices, particularly for housing units and condominiums, have been on the rise. This is a positive indicator for potential investors, as rising property values often signal strong demand and a thriving market.
For 2024, analysts expect further increases in housing prices due to limited supply in key urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
With this continued upward trend, now could be the ideal time for overseas Filipinos to consider
investing in the Philippine housing market. Whether it’s for personal use or rental purposes, properties bought today are expected to yield higher returns in the future.
Better prospects for investors
The Philippine government’s focus on improving infrastructure and developing smart cities further enhances the outlook for real estate. With better transportation, accessibility, and services, areas outside traditional city centers are expected to become more attractive for homebuyers and investors.
For Filipinos abroad, this represents a unique opportunity to secure properties at a time when prices are still on the rise, but before they reach their peak. Properties in emerging areas, such as Pampanga or Laguna, might provide the best balance between affordability and growth potential.
At SAB Realty, we understand the challenges and opportunities of investing from abroad. Whether you’re looking to buy a family home, diversify your investment portfolio, or prepare for retirement, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions. For more information and personalized assistance, contact SAB Realty. We're here to help you navigate the evolving landscape of Philippine real estate with confidence.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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* * Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for nine years, is also a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors in America). For inquiries, questions, or are interested in buying or selling a property, please feel free to reach out via email at sab. sanpedro@gmail.com or call PH 0917-8237796 (Whatsapp and Viber) USA (909) 4131480 (Viber).
Amy Nobleza graduates magna cum laude...
wanted to pursue something business-related but had no idea yet which university to apply for.
“Pag ‘di mo kaya, ako magpapa-aral sa ‘yo,” Vice said, which elicited an emotional reaction from Amy, even quipping she might be the next Senate President. “Mag-usap tayo tutulungan kita to make sure matutuloy [ang pag-aaral mo].”
The exchange ended with a tearful Amy embracing Vice, who asked Amy to finish her studies since the host-comedian wasn’t able to graduate, opting instead to focus on showbiz. Amy had acting parts in shows like “Mutya,” “Kokey,” and “Past, Present, Perfect?” as well as episodes of “Wansapanatym” and “Maalala Mo Kaya.”
Jericho Rosales says relationship with Janine Gutierrez going ‘well and steady’
by Jessica ann evangelista
JERICHO Rosales said his relationship with Janine Gutierrez is going “well and steady,” given that they share the same personalities.
In a recent interview with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Rosales refused to directly answer if Gutierrez is officially his girlfriend but emphasized that they go along well. Soriano is their costar in the series, “Lavender Fields.”
“I should say we’re doing really well, going really steady. We’re really happy. She’s professional. Masiyahin Baliw din Makulit din. So we really get along. Happy kami,” he said. On Sunday, Sept. 22,
Gutierrez greeted the actor on his 45th birthday and shared blurry pictures of them during one of their dates in Intramuros.
It was the first time that the actress posted Rosales on her Instagram page.
Meanwhile, the “Pangako Sa’Yo” actor previously revealed in an interview with Karen Davila that he thought Gutierrez was only 24 years old, making him reluctant to start dating her at first.
The pair are currently playing husband and wife in the revenge drama “Lavender Fields.” Rosales also shared that their first date took place in a form of script reading and coffee.
In August, Rosales revealed that he and Gutierrez are dating after they were spotted in public
places on different occasions. Meanwhile, despite already having a new romance in his life, Rosales reiterated that he remains good friends with exwife-model Kim Jones, saying that they will always be best friends.
“How would people understand this, you know? How would they take this—two people can be friends? The whole 10 years, she was my best friend,” he said.
Earlier this year, a representative of the former couple confirmed that Rosales and Jones have been separated since 2019.
Meanwhile, Gutierrez was previously in a relationship with actor-dancer Rayver Cruz, who’s now dating singer Julie Anne San Jose.
‘He should be heralded first’: Lea Salonga...
artist for his body of work," the Broadway legend said.
"And he has contributed so much, even the movies where he's crossdressing, it lends so much tolerance and so much acceptance for the LGBT community," she added.
The late Dolphy started his career as early as the Bodabil (vaudeville) days during the Japanese occupation in the country in the 1940s. He also dabbled into radio and transitioned to making films and TV shows.
Dolphy was known as the "King of Comedy," starring in the movie "Facifica Falayfay" and TV
shows and their spin-offs of the same name, "Home Along Da Riles" and "John en Marsha." Comedy was Dolphy's strength, but he was also a serious actor that tackled relevant and social issues in films like "Markova: Comfort Gay," which was among the entries to the 2000 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Dolphy died on July 10, 2012 at the age of 83.
"Even if that was not his intention at the time, that was an effect, an after effect that I don't think he could have foreseen, but that's just an example of why I think he should be heralded first," Lea said. "So, hopefully I'll be given the opportunity to champion him," she concluded.
Jericho Rosales and Janine Gutierrez Photos from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial
Inquirer.net
Beverly Salviejo, an entertainer with a heart
My P.E.P.
I REMEMBER when I reported for work as a writer at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Press and Information Office in Makati City, I rushed to the elevator and I saw then-DTI Secretary Mar Roxas, my boss, with his son Paolo (who finished an economics degree from Yale University), a handsome teenager at that time. Mar and Korina Sanchez were not yet sweethearts. Korina was working for ABS-CBN as a broadcaster. Paolo recently celebrated his birthday and he is helping his constituents in Capiz. One time, I saw him in a video with his cute young brother and sister Pepe and Pilar (children of Mar and Korina).
* * *
At young age, Mikee Cojuangco, daughter of Peping and Ting-Ting Cojuangco, was already aware of what was happening in the Philippines: “I just came from a family reunion on August 21, 1983, the death anniversary of my grandfather. Others fetched Uncle Ninoy (Aquino) at the airport.”
She continued: “We, the younger ones, were left in Dasmarinas Village, Makati. When my cousin’s mother went home, my cousin asked the whereabouts of Uncle Ninoy. Then her mom said, ‘He was assassinated!’ We were shocked. We couldn’t do anything but listen to the news on Radio Veritas.”
For Mikee, it was different for a nine-year-old concerned about the welfare of the country and current events.
She also remembered that two years before her uncle’s assassination at the tarmac, they visited her Uncle Ninoy in Boston, Massachusetts: “I was only seven years old... Uncle Ninoy was serious to me. He didn’t treat me like a child. Whatever he thought about politics, he discussed it directly whether I understood what he said or not. I really value the fact that he treated me like an adult. We were really taken good care of. He had plenty of ideas. He was so deep. I was so inspired.”
She said, “We should not forget the Filipino people who displayed the moral courage to do what they thought as right regardless of the consequences, especially when the going was rough, for the sake of freedom and democracy.”
She is now a Filipino sports official, equestrienne, model and former actress/TV host. She brought home the gold at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.
* * * Liberty Insurance Corp. president and CEO Josefina M. Salvador, a CPA, says:
“Everything that I do I need to write down and polish it, to know what I am supposed to do within the day and when to finish it, so that becomes my guide. In that manner I know it is a stressful environment because of the attitude that I’ve acquired. I know what to do and the direction to take. But there are occasions we cannot avoid it, there are deviations from the normal things that we do.” Because of the working attitude she has acquired, she is adaptable to the stressful environment beyond one’s control. Since she is a CPA, the correlation of numbers is meaningful to her for numbers
would her tell if something is right or wrong. Sundays for Jo is exclusively for family matters. She sees to it that she does not bring her work problems at home. She does domestic work, cooks, washes clothes and attends to her kids’ basic needs. She and her family go to church together and visit her parents’ house which is a few meters away from their own home. When her kids were still young, she remembers she personally taught them and had to take a leave of absence to prepare them for their exams in school. Now all her kids are successful professionals in their own fields.
As to her personal philosophy in life, she says she is a simple person who sees to it that she musters all her efforts to help our less fortunate brethren in the best, small way she can as she prays and gives her trust to the Lord for everything, she believes, has a purpose. By praying and asking guidance from the Lord is how she manages Liberty Insurance Corporation, a nonlife insurance entity that adheres toward leadership, integrity and commitment.
* * * Former broadcast journalist and war correspondent Ignacio “Toting” Bunye is my uncle (my paternal grandfather belongs to the Bunye clan). I met him again during the recent arts exhibit of his visual artist son-in-law, Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, a former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, who is the husband of Atty. Trisha Bunye. He served as congressman and mayor of Muntinlupa. He also became press secretary and Monetary Board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. His mother is a pre-war movie actress with the screen name Gloria Imperial whose younger sister Mila del Sol was also a movie darling of her time.
*
* * Actress-singer Beverly Salviejo is an Aliw Awards Hall of Fame awardee. She appeared in the sitcom “Urbana at Feliza” (which starred Mitch Valdez and Nanette Inventor) as Lou Veloso’s maid. Since then, she had been invited in some TV shows and movies. She was interviewed by GMA-7’s Jessica Soho.
I saw her in many TV series like Forevermore, Imortal, Toda Max, Pintada, Princess and I, My Little Juan, Got to Believe, FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano, Pusong Ligaw, and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. I recently watched her in GMA7’s Wish Ko Lang where she won a recognition for her acting ability. She also won in the 7th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards where the three of us (Elizabeth Oropesa, Beverly and me) won recognitions.
I first met Beverly in TahanTahanan (a haven for kids with cancer) in East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City where we both volunteered to entertain the patients.
* * * One evening at nostalgic singalong bar Music Box The Library, owned by Jerick Gadeja and Andrew de Real and managed by Arnold Anota, on Quezon City’s Timog Avenue, I joined some members of Vince Tanada’s Philstagers, singer-actress Sarah Liroe Javier and other friends in relaxing after a tireless series of shows of Juan Luna Isang Sarsuela.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Paolo Roxas (left) with his dad Mar Roxas Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi with Chino Hansel Philyang
Singer-actress Sarah Liroe Javier and director Vince Tanada at Music Box The Library.
Rogelio Medina (left) with Ignacio “Toting” Bunye
Rogelio Medina (left) and Jerick Gadeja at Music Box The Library
Rogelio Constantino Medina
Jo Salvador (right) and Rogelio Medina flank a life-size poster of Liberty Insurance endorser Dingdong Dantes.
From left: Rogelio Medina, Beverly Salviejo and Elizabeth Oropesa at Okada Hotel.
From left: Rogelio Medina, Pilar Mateo, manager Arnold Anota, and owner Andrew de Real at Music Box The Library.
From left: Ricky Lee, Aries, Arya, Martha and Atty. Michael Gurfinkel
GARDEN GROVE –
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA reaffirmed its significance as one of the leading nonprofit public benefit, 501 C-3 organizations in Southern California with the formal transfer of leadership to the younger generation during the installation of its officers for administrative year 2024-2025, coinciding with its 46th anniversary foundation at Anaheim Marriott Suites.
PB-USA was founded in 1978 by the late Ambassador Armando C. Fernandez who was then the consul general of Los Angeles.
He is a native of Dagupan City.
As outgoing PB-USA Board chairman, I presented shoulder souvenir bags emblazoned with our green logo showcasing our provincial map of Pangasinan to PB-USA’s 18th President Sue Ann Estrada-Tumakay whose roots are from Calasiao and San Carlos City; Board Chair Ellen Rodriguez-Swing whose mother is a native of Burgos town; and Executive Vice President Josie Carayugan-Khoo who hails from Bayambang.
I also presented the collectible bags to outgoing President Neil Mandapat Estrada, brother of incoming president Sue Ann and Rey Banaza who came all the way from Dasol town to attend this 46th Foundation Anniversary, Installation of Officers and Gala Night, rolled into one.
Completing the Executive Board are: Board Vice Chairman Danny P. Tejada (Mangatarem), Corporate Secretary Dean Mandapat (San Carlos City), Chief Financial Officer Baltazar R. Tamayo, Jr. (San Carlos City), Auditor Ping Coquia (Dagupan City), JR Araquel (Alaminos City), Marites Orencia-Bautista (San Fabian), Jann Alexa DoctorBergado (Santa Barbara), Nieves Cabaliw-Coquia (Urbiztondo, Calasiao, Dagupan City), Noemi Veloria-Dumlao (Bani) and Henry Estrada (Calasiao).
Turning the page to younger gen of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA
land, air and sea shipments and serves customers from the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles with worldwide destinations;
Other officers included Giovanni Javier (Mangaldan, PRO), Carlito Lumague (Pozorrubio, Community Relations Officer), Oscar Camacho (Bayambang, Business Manager), Eddie C. Ferrer (Dagupan City, Controller), Henry Ward (Alaminos City, Peace Officer), Mike Mandapat (San Carlos City, Historian), Mel G. Oxciano (Mangatarem, Legal Counsel), and myself (Mangatarem, Bani, Compliance Officer).
The board and executive officers were sworn in by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Julian C. Recana.
Other highlights of the Gala Night were the presentation of plaques of Excellence Awards by PB-USA President EstradaTumakay to five Pangasinenses who have made Southern California their home. They include:
• Emeben Baysic-Vales, former Miss Pangasinan BrotherhoodUSA (1990-1992) for Musical Theater and as understudy for the lead role of Kim in Miss Saigon on Broadway and during the national tour as “Ali” in Mamma Mia. Formerly based in New York, Emeben now resides with her own family in Irvine, California. Her Cerritos-based parents, Vangie and Ben Baysic (deceased), are both natives of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Emeben Baysic, an alumna of UCLA, entertained the 140 plus Pangasinenses and their guests during the event;
• Kenneth Puzon Mejia for public service and civic
Included in the swearingin were the vice presidents representing the six congressional districts of Pangasinan province: Perlita Rasing (Alaminos City, 1st District), Leoncio D. Dumlao (Mangatarem, 2nd District), Sunny Quezon (Pozorrubio, 5th District), and Rey Rodrigo (San Nicolas, 6th District). Mac Posadas (San Carlos City, 3rd District), and Lydia Ceralde (Dagupan City, 4th District) were out of the country at the time.
• This author for Journalism in Print Media for his lifelong years as freelance journalist. His bylines, taglines and columns appear in various FilipinoAmerican and mainstream newspapers in California, the Philippines such as Asian Journal, Philippine News Today, Weekend Balita, Philippine Post, Philippine Tribune, The US Asian Post, Los Cerritos Community News and Philippine Daily Inquirer. He is also a vlog forum co-host of “Buhay Pinoy sa America” on You Tube; and
• Virman Coquia for Music Industry DJ with the Far East Movement with platinum hits and artist management of various genres such as the Korean rock group, “The Rose” and Filipino superstars such as Liza Soberano.
In her message, EstradaTumakay said, “This 46th anniversary milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy and steadfast spirit of our beloved Pangasinense community. I draw inspiration from the collective spirit and unwavering dedication that define our community. I will devote to upholding the noble mission and vision set forth by our founders. Together, we will enrich our initiatives to promote the products from our region and province and continue to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant legacy of Pangasinan.”
PB-USA Board Chairperson Ellen Rodriguez-Swing stated: “Together, with the support of our dedicated team, we are committed to advancing the missions of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA like providing opportunities for personal
of this Gala Night, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III lauded his provincemates for their livelihood programs for the province. “Pangasinan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises had been blessed by your advocacy to promote the products of our artisans, entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Your commitment to enable our Pangasinan MSMEs to find their niche in the international market has created jobs, sustained industries and changed live,” he said. “For this, I am truly
grateful. I am passionately focused on providing livelihood development programs for our province mates. Please count me in as I pledge to fully support your endeavors to help our kabaleyans and kababayans in Pangasinan.”
In his valedictory message, outgoing PB-USA President Estrada, said, “As I pass the torch to the new officers, I am confident that under the new leadership team, our organization will continue to flourish and achieve new heights.
I have no doubt that your vision, dedication and passion will guide our organization towards even greater success. It has been an honor to serve as your president and I will forever cherish the memories and friendships forged during my time in office.”
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * denino1951@gmail.com
Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA President Sue Ann Estrada-Tumakay confers plaques of Excellence Awards to (clockwise, from top left) Kenneth Puzon Mejia in Public Service, Emeben Baysic-Vales in Musical Theater, Eddie Caguioa Ferrer in Business & Industry, Dan Estabillo Niño in Journalism in Print Media. Photos by Mike Mandapat
